Collaborative partnerships are a cornerstone of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University (VSU)’s mission to help people put scientific knowledge to work through learning experiences that their well-being. In 2024, VSU is proud to celebrate successful collaborations across programming areas in community development, 4H, human nutrition and health and food, ag systems and agroforestry.

VSU’s Associate Specialist of Community Development Ms. Novita Epps collaborates with the Concerned Citizens of Ettrick, one of VSU’s surrounding communities. This group is dedicated to addressing local issues, and promoting the cultural, spiritual, economic, educational, physical and social well-being of the Ettrick community.

For Human nutrition and human health, VSU collaborated with the VA Department of Health, Virginia Commonwealth University and VSU’s Public Health Institute.

Dedicated specialists like VSU’s Youth Development Specialist Ms. Nicole Swinson focused on collaborating with key organizations and schools to open doors to future opportunities for youth. In 2024, Swinson launched the “AgCulture” program, a combination of 4H and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (Jr. MANRRS) at Petersburg High School and Vernon Johns Middle School.

In food, ag systems and agroforestry, VSU-CE collaborated with the Virginia Farmers Market Association, Petersburg City Schools, Ettrick Elementary School, the American Farmland Trust and Oasis Farm to increase community and student access to fresh, nutritious foods.

These partnerships help increase access to critical resources, and build relationships between VSU Extension and other groups and organizations committed to uplifting the communities they serve.

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